By Dinorah Becerril
The aerospace sector startup Horizontec, with the support of Grupo SSC of San Miguel de Allende, estimates that it could very shortly incorporate electric motors in its Halcón 2 (H2) two-seater aircraft, which it manufactures in the State of Guanajuato. «We already see an opportunity to use the electric motor,» explained the director of the startup, Giovanni Angelucci Carrasco.
To do this, both firms are in contact with other foreign companies, because, Carrasco said, “unfortunately in Mexico there is still no such technology, especially in terms of batteries.” The current problem, he said, is energy density, since an average battery does not last for more than 45 minutes of flight time, which is not viable.
The electric motor is much lighter than a combustion engine, so the difference in weight assists the higher-energy density battery. Carrasco estimates that with this, flight hours would cost US$3-4, a very low amount.
“What we are looking for is batteries with an energy density that is two to three times what is currently on the market. Then we could reach two and a half or three hours of flight, which would be viable for (aviation) schools.” This is his business goal, he added.
Currently, the aircraft H2 are complying with the 50 cycles authorized by Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), which shows their ability to save fuel. The aircraft used in the tests used 16-17 liters of fuel per flight hour, a very low amount that represents around 500 pesos. In addition to producing good results in maneuverability and speed, the aircraft only requires 150 meters of runway to take off, and less to land.
First, the experimental aircraft certification is required. This would later be upgraded to a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), a certification that would allow it to market the aircraft to Mexican flight schools.
“Many Mexican aviation schools mostly use Cessna aircraft from the 1980s, and I think we have a product that could very well cover that need. They are aircraft that were designed with the goal of being easy to fly and very economical and efficient,” said Carrasco. The startup also seeks to work closely with aviation schools to customize the product so that it meets the needs of each institution.
Last October, during the BJX Aerospace Summit 4.0, Horizontec signed a commitment letter with the Aire aviation school for 10 aircraft.
Published with permission of Mexico Industry. Follow the link to read further. https://mexicoindustry.com/
